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Rabat – McDonald’s is facing significant profit loss in a number of markets in the Middle East and beyond due to boycotting movements decrying the company’s alleged support for Israel’s bloody war in the Gaza Strip.
In a LinkedIn post on Thursday, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said that his company is facing “meaningful business impact” due to the Gaza war as well as what he called “associated misinformation” relating to the brand.
McDonald’s is not alone in facing the fallout of Israel’s aggression on the Palestinians. Major Western food chains have faced calls for boycotts after expressing support for Israel.
In response, McDonald’s CEO told Reuters that misinformation surrounding brands like McDonald’s was “disheartening and ill-founded.”
Meanwhile, the CEO claimed in his LinkedIn post: “In every country where we operate, including in Muslim countries, McDonald’s is proudly represented by local owner operators who work tirelessly to serve and support their communities while employing thousands of their fellow citizens.”
In an attempt to distance themselves from the alleged pro-Israel stance, Kempczinski cut a compassion and corporate social responsibility figure. “Our hearts remain with the communities and families impacted by the war in the Middle East,” he wrote.
Read Also: McDonald’s Malaysia Sues Pro-Palestine Activists over Boycott
This latest development comes as McDonald’s sparked outrage among Muslims and beyond in October when they publicized donating thousands of meals to members of Israel’s occupation forces.
After news of the company’s support for the brutal Israeli campaign in Gaza, other McDonald’s franchises across the Muslim world distanced themselves from the move.
In Malaysia, a local branch of McDonald’s is already suing a national boycott movement for $1.3 million in damages, arguing that they are not involved in supporting Israel, and calling the accusation “false and defamatory.”
Israel’s ongoing aggression against Palestinians has claimed the lives of over 22,600 people since October 7, with 57,910 others injured. The majority of casualties are recorded among civilians and children, showing the indiscriminate and brutal nature of Israel’s punitive war on Palestinians.
